Rafting Safety Tips to Stay Safe on Nepal’s Rivers
Select the Right Outfit for the Water
You should select the right outfit for water activities to maintain comfort and stay dry. Wearing the right gear can make all the difference in your experience. You need to wear well-fitting waterproof clothes (Wet or dry suits).
You can choose synthetic materials that dry quickly which allows you to prevent chafing. Additionally, make sure to wear proper footwear such as water shoes. You can select your outfit based on the weather. You should check your outfit before the trip to ensure you are comfortable and does not restrict your movement while rafting.
Wear a Properly Fitted Helmet and Life jacket (PFD)
While rafting, you must wear a helmet and personal flotation device (PFD). They are the must-have items that you will need during the rafting adventure. In addition, a well-fitting helmet is also required. The helmet can help protect your head from banging and crashing into rocks during slips or falls.
A helmet should have adjustable straps for a firm fit. You should wear a high-quality helmet the entire time to maximize your safety. Similarly, the life jacket, or the personal flotation device (PFD), is also crucial to ensure safety. You should look for PFDs that are specifically designed for water sports like rafting.
Life jackets make sure that you will stay afloat if you slip into the water. Choose a life jacket that allows you to move freely but has enough buoyancy. You should check your gear properly before starting rafting, ensuring that it is functioning well.
Position Yourself Correctly on the Raft
Maintaining the correct position is essential for the safety and success of the rafting trip. Proper balancing and movement according to the guide's instructions will reduce the likelihood of falling into the river. Thus, you must obey the guide's instructions to position yourself correctly so that the raft remains at its optimal position.
You should also understand how to paddle when sitting properly. The guide will make sure to teach how to maintain proper posture correctly, which will make the raft balanced so that all can remain safer and ensure a joyful adventure.
Ensure Hydration and Proper Nutrition
One important water rafting safety tip is to eat well and remain hydrated. Rafting is a kind of water sport that requires endurance and focus. So, to perform at your best, it is essential to keep your energy up. When you are not properly hydrated then it may lead to fatigue. Without having nutritious meals, it will be difficult to stay energetic to get through the rapids.
The multiday adventures like Sunkoshi and Tamur take more than a week to complete. Tamur River rafting even requires trekking. Thus, having meals is necessary to ensure that you stay healthy throughout your journey.
You can have energy rich snacks and have proper meals. During a multi day rafting adventure, the crew prepares meals in the camps, making sure that the clients are well nourished and hydrated and have long-lasting stamina to complete the adventure conveniently.
Follow Your Guide’s Lead
While rafting, it is essential to follow your guide’s instructions, which are essential for both your safety and enjoyment. The rafting guides in Nepal are experts and have experience leading the journey. They will offer valuable insight about the landscape, the course of the water.
They will instruct you on how to act under various circumstances. Thus, you should always listen to your guide's safety instructions attentively. The instructions include the paddling techniques, safety protocols, and tips on what you can do during emergencies.
Rafting is an activity that is conducted in groups. The guide will keep the group together and make sure that you will enjoy the journey. During an emergency, make sure to trust your guide's experience in leading you through the process. The guide will make sure that you enjoy the rafting experience. Therefore, you should be observant, be attentive to their instructions and ask when you don't understand something.
Be Aware of the Steps to Take if You Fall Out of the Raft
During adventurous sports like rafting there may be times when you slip out of the raft. Understanding what to do in such situations and being prepared can help you remain calm and safe. If you fall, the first thing is not to panic and follow the following steps:
- Stay calm and assess your surroundings. Being out of the raft can be confusing. When you are aware of your location in the river it can helps you avoid rocks other hazards more effectively. Most of the times you float right next to the raft following a fall.
- Head towards the raft and grab the safety line on the outside. Call your rafting companions to let them know that you are in the water. Wait for someone to assist in pulling you back in. Make sure to put the life jacket on, as it will help the guide pull back into the raft.
- If the safety line is not easily reachable, then ask your rafting companions to throw you the throw bag or hand you a paddle that you can grab to get back in the raft.
- If you are not able to swim towards the raft or the safety line, then you can look downstream and lie on your back. Keep your feet up. Place your head above water to take breaths between waves, and guides will quickly get to you. You must be attentive to the guide’s instructions.
- If possible, position yourself facing the raft when you are preparing to climb back to the raft so that you can be pulled in headfirst.
Note: Remember that you should never try swimming out of the water without a life jacket, as it increases the chances of drowning or exhaustion especially in rivers that have strong currents.
Paddle Together
Rafting is the sport that you will enjoy the most in a team. When you paddle together with the other members of your team the raft can glide easily and remain on course. The team needs to paddle simultaneously. When the team paddles together in the same direction, the power created is much stronger, which allows effective navigation without obstructions.
The rafting guide will usually provide timing cues on when you can paddle. When you use the correct technique in paddling, it helps to reduce the likelihood of exhaustion, especially on long rafts. Thus, you must ensure that you are focused on technique when rafting in a team.
You need to paddle by using both hands with a "T" shaped grip. This grip helps to prevent the paddle from slipping out of your hands. Likewise, this technique also helps you prevent accidentlly hitting your teammates or yourself.
The guide will teach you about the use of the technique. With the T- grip technique ensures you to have better paddle control and ensures a smooth journey. When you paddle together, you can contribute to energy preservation and make the entire experience more fun for everyone.
Check Weather Forecasts
During rafting, it is essential to be updated on the weather forecasts. Weather such as heavy rains, strong winds, or temperature changes significantly affects water levels and may make the adventure risky. The heavy downpours can make rivers swollen, the water flow may be faster making the adventure challenging. Checking the forecast in advance helps you to schedule a tour at the right time and make decisions whether you should proceed with the rafting activity or not.
When you are informed about weather, you can be prepared and make necessary adjustments with the equipment that are required. Likewise, you can plan for safety arrangements and avoid getting weather related challenges, which will keep you away from dangers and make your overall experience better.
Be Comfortable with Water
You don’t need to be an expert in swimming to enjoy rafting. However, you must be comfortable in water. However, when you feel at ease in the water it elevates your overall experience. Understanding and learning basic swimming skills will help you feel more confident and secure. In addition, you may also learn to maintain position in various water conditions, which will provide you with the ability to react in necessary situations.
Acquiring some basic lessons before taking part in rafting will provide you with confidence and the ability to cope with the waters more effectively. Water confidence is one of the crucial aspects while rafting and ensures your safety allowing you to make the most out of your experience.
Do Not Consume Alcohol
You should avoid alcohol before and during the rafting trip as it can be extremely dangerous. When you consume alcohol, it can impair your judgment and make it difficult for you to maintain proper coordination.
While rafting, coordination and attentiveness are necessary. You lose your ability to respond effectively when you consume alcohol which puts you at more risk for hazards during rafting. So, to enjoy the adventure sport of rafting safely, you should make sure to be free of alcohol and other substances.
What Can You Do If a Fellow Team Member Falls Into the Water While Rafting?
The rafting guides understand what can be done when someone falls into the river while rafting and will provide the needed assistance. While guides will ensure the safety of everyone, it will be convenient and helpful to understand what you can do in case you see that your team member falls out. Here are some steps you can take to help them get back on the raft.
- If you notice anyone falling out, let the guide know immediately, and they will try their best to rescue them.
- If the person manages to grab onto the outside safety line help them by grabbing their shoulder straps and pulling them back into the raft.
- If the person can't grab onto the safety line, then you may pass them a paddle so they can grab it, and then you may pull them. Likewise, you can also throw them a throw bag and pull them back towards the raft safely.
If the situation becomes complicated, then make sure to remain calm and alert. The guides are seasoned professionals and will provide immediate assistance in emergencies ensuring that everyone is safe. One important way that the teammates can do is discuss the river rafting safety tips together, and be familiar with the procedures for an exhilarating ansd a safe adventure in Nepal’s rivers.
Do Not Bring Valuables
During the rafting trip it is essential to leave the valuables. During rafting, things such as rings, earrings, and bracelets can be lost or swept away in the water. So, keeping them at home is wise.
There are some essentials that you will need while rafting, and you can pack those in a waterproof case. Things like a mobile phone or a camera may be required in a multi day rafting journey. So, you may ask your guides to place it safely. They take care of your items by storing them safely in dry bags during the rafting period.
Importance of Booking With a Reliable Tour Operator To Stay Safe on Nepal’s River
You should pick licensed and reputable rafting operators to ensure a secure journey. Rafting, like any other sport, indeed carries some risks. The reputable operators have certified guides who are familiar with rafting and water rescue protocols.
They can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for participants of varying skills. In addition to ensuring safety, a good operator provides efficient equipment of excellent quality life jackets, paddles, helmets, and rafts.
You may read people's reviews to learn about the service and the whole experience from former participants. It provides you with insightful information about professionalism, attention to safety and quality of the rafting gear. By researching about choosing the right company, you can have a memorable experience and ensure a joyful time while rafting in Nepal.
Also Read: Best Time for White Water Rafting in Nepal
